Jeffrey Nadrich, founding attorney and owner of the California law firm Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers, opposes H.R. 8467, the proposed House Farm Bill.
“This dangerous bill could hurt children, hungry families and the environment,” Nadrich said.
State and local governments are currently able to restrict pesticide use to protect people and the environment. State and local governments often have superior, area-specific information about pest control compared to the federal government, according to Nadrich, who points out that the bill would prevent local pesticide restrictions.
“The bill, by taking power out of the hands of local governments who know better and putting it in the hands of the federal government, would prevent localities from protecting children from the dangers of pesticides used near parks and schools,” Nadrich said.
In 2023, Environmental Working Group found that 4,028 elementary schools were located within 200 feet of crop fields where pesticides may be applied. Studies have shown that certain pesticides may drift miles from their intended targets.
Nadrich highlights that while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently considers pesticides’ impact on endangered species when approving them, the bill would require the EPA to consult with agencies who don’t focus on the protection of wildlife, weakening the protection of endangered species.
“Endangered species already face a substantial threat, and the bill would only increase this threat,” Nadrich said.
Nadrich is also concerned that the bill would redirect $30 billion from SNAP programs which are used to feed hungry children and families.
“With food inflation running rampant and a COVID-19 era benefits increase having just ended, now is the worst possible time to cut hungry Americans’ SNAP benefits,” Nadrich said.
Nadrich expresses concern that the bill would also protect pesticide manufacturers such as Roundup manufacturer Bayer from legal liability. Over $10 billion has already been paid out by Bayer and its subsidiary Monsanto to people claiming that Roundup caused the deadly blood cancer non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and the company still faces billions of dollars in liability over the herbicide. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is considered a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. A study published in Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research in 2019 linked heavy exposure to the chemical with a 41 percent higher risk of developing NHL in agricultural workers.
“The bill could prevent families who have been devastated by cancer from recovering the compensation they deserve,” Nadrich said.
Nadrich pointed out that pesticides are linked to many health problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics, in 2012, stated that when children are exposed to pesticides, they face a risk of developing pediatric cancers, behavioral problems and decreased cognitive function. In addition, a 2011 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to the herbicide paraquat is linked with 2.5 times the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Nadrich urges lawmakers to consider the bill's impact on children, the environment, hungry families and those injured by pesticides and herbicides.
Nadrich and his firm emphasize their commitment to advocating for those affected by exposure to herbicides such as Roundup, paraquat and Dacthal.
Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers support those exposed to toxic chemicals, helping them recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering and more. The firm has resources available on their website for those exposed to toxic chemicals.
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For more information about Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers, contact the company here:
Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers
Jennifer Poole
(800) 718-4658
jpoole@personalinjurylawcal.com
10990 Wilshire Blvd # 1050, Los Angeles, CA 90024
